I love hanging with my friends, but I’m always missing out on stuff. My parents let me out with my friends at least once or twice a month, but if I saw them one day this week, I don’t get to see them for about another month.

They always say it’s all about me, but they're not thinking about me! They say they do everything they can for me, but then they say, I’m not your driver,” or "I’m too tired," or "I’m busy." They always let my brother out when he was my age, so why not me? I think they just don’t want me to have a life.

It’s really frustrating to deal with parents who seem to want to keep you from having a life. Honestly, you have to remember that parents usually know best (as annoying as that sounds). Try putting yourself in their shoes. If they’re trying to keep you from doing things or seeing certain people, it may be because they don’t think they’re a good influence on you. It’s even worse when they set different standards for you than your older sibs! While this isn’t always fair, consider that maybe you’re brother’s decisions have influenced their parenting techniques.

Have a chat with your ‘rents to let them know how upset you really are. In a mature and non-confrontational manner, let them know that you feel left out and you think it’s unfair that your brother got to go out all the time when he was your age. Ask why it has to be any different for you. And then actually listen to what they have to say.

Work with them to see if you can come to some sort of compromise. Try setting some “rules” to follow for yourself, and show them that they can trust you. Tell them that school will obviously always come first, and then follow up your commitment and make sure your chores and grades are your first priority.

With a bit o’ time, your parents will gradually give you more and more freedom as you get older. Be patient and just remember that fighting back and kicking and screaming along the way won’t help you get what you want.

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